Plug-In Solar in Idaho — Status: deferred
Bill: HB 612 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act
Sponsor: Rep. Britt Raybould
Legislative Status: HB 612 died in the House State Affairs Committee when the Idaho legislative session ended on April 2, 2026. The bill never received a committee hearing. A new bill will need to be introduced in the 2027 Idaho legislative session.
Current Status: Dead — Died in Committee (Session Ended April 2, 2026)
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in Idaho?
A dedicated statewide plug-in solar pathway is not currently active in Idaho; HB 612 is listed as deferred. Before installing or connecting equipment, confirm current utility or interconnection rules, local code or permit requirements, property or lease conditions, outlet and electrical suitability, and the equipment listing and manufacturer instructions.
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 11.3¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $145/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 3¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.8 |
| Retail Choice | none |
Key Provisions
Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from PUC interconnection requirements.
What You Can Do
If passed: self-install without Idaho Power or Rocky Mountain Power approval.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Law not yet enacted. Idaho utilities currently require interconnection agreements.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Idaho offers a personal income tax deduction for residential alternative energy systems (up to $5,000/year, $20,000 lifetime). Net metering available through Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- Idaho Residential Alternative Energy Tax Deduction — DSIRE — Personal income tax deduction up to $5,000/year ($20,000 lifetime) for residential solar installations.
- DSIRE — Idaho Solar Incentives — Full list of Idaho state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 1,964,726 |
| Total Households | 717,067 |
| Owner-Occupied | 512,476 |
| Renter-Occupied | 204,591 |
| Single-Family Homes | 512,476 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 50,076 |
| Median Household Income | $70,214 |
| Median Home Value | $396,900 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 5.3 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 40° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1200 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May-August |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Power | ~554400 customers | Yes |
| Avista Utilities | ~145000 customers | Yes |
| Kootenai Electric Cooperative | ~31535 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Why Western states are pushing for plug-in solar — High Country News (March 2026)
Explore Your Next Steps in Idaho
Use these tools and guides alongside the state-specific rules above to evaluate your space, potential savings, and the right connection approach.
- Compare every state — Return to the national tracker to compare enacted laws, pending bills, and unclear jurisdictions.
- Check your ID setup readiness — Review placement, outlet, property, and state-rule questions before choosing equipment.
- Estimate savings in Idaho — Use your location and setup assumptions to estimate bill savings and storage value.
- Understand off-grid and grid-connected use — Separate truly off-grid or portable solar from equipment that connects to a building circuit or utility grid.